Standard & Poor's (S&P) has affirmed Bahrain-based Gulf International Bank's (GIB) long-term and short-term counterparty credit ratings at BBB+ and A-2 respectively with a stable outlook.
S&P said in its report that the

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said the ongoing political tensions in Bahrain (BBB/Watch Neg/A-3) and Oman (A/Watch Neg/A-1) remain a significant issue for the credit standing of both sovereigns.
This is despite the Gulf Co-operati

DIFC Investments, part of the group which operates Dubai's tax-free business hub, has begun a $1 billion-plus restructuring plan to divest non-core investments by the end of 2011, ratings agency Standard & Poor's said on Monday.
S&

Some investment companies in the Gulf will likely find it difficult to pursue their operations without dramatic changes in the wake of the global financial downturn, said Standard & Poor's Ratings Services.
"The main reasons behind thi